Anne of Cleves, Queen Anne of England

Cleves was considered a primary link between England and other European countries. King Henry asked the artist, Holebein, to paint portraits of the women related to the Duke of Cleves and from those portraits, he chose the duke's sister, Anne to become his wife. Anne's brother has a confusing fascination with Anne and is cruel, controlling and demeaning to her, but perhaps, attracted to her as well. She is thrilled to escape the stifled atmosphere of her brother's home, and as she travels to England she begins to grasp the enormity of her new position.

In the process of learning English, learning the cunning ways of the courtiers and coming to understand Henry, Anne is transformed into a very dignified and compassionate person. She does become Queen of England, but her marriage to Henry is never consummated. Instead of having her beheaded...